Nuclear weapons: this is how an atomic bomb is built

Icon: enlarge

Security guard in front of an atomic bomb on display in China: unimaginable destructive power

Photo: 

Jason Lee / REUTERS

Modern nuclear horror begins with two steps: a split and a merge.

The principle of division is simple.

If a heavy atomic nucleus is broken down, pure energy is released.

When an atom bomb is detonated, this process is multiplied in an uncontrolled chain reaction.

One nuclear fission brings with it more, more and more, like an avalanche.

The vast amounts of energy that are released unfold an almost incomprehensible destructive force.

"Little Boy", the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, killed at least 66,000 people instantly.

Tens of thousands more died in the same year from the acute consequences, others over the following decades from cancer or other diseases caused by radiation exposure.

The bomb destroyed almost two thirds of all buildings in the city, of the rest only a few remained undamaged.

The modern bomb: many times more destructive than Hiroshima

On its own, such an explosion of division can cremate entire cities.

In the warhead of modern hydrogen bombs, however, it only forms the first stage: it serves as a detonator.

Read more with Spiegel Plus

More perspectives, more understanding.

Your advantages with SPIEGEL +

• Icon: Check

  SPIEGEL as a magazine

  as an app, e-paper and on the e-reader

• Icon: Check

  All articles on SPIEGEL.de

  Exclusive texts for SPIEGEL + readers

• Icon: Check

  Try one month for free

  Cancel anytime online

  A price

  only € 19.99 per month

One month for € 0.00

Try now for 0.00 € Buy nowArrow to the right

Already have a digital subscription? Register here

Restore iTunes subscription

SPIEGEL + is processed via your iTunes account and paid for with a purchase confirmation.

24 hours before it expires, the subscription is automatically renewed by one month at the current price of € 19.99.

You can cancel the subscription at any time in the settings of your iTunes account.

In order to use SPIEGEL + outside of this app, you must link the subscription to a SPIEGEL ID account immediately after purchase.

With the purchase you accept our general terms and conditions and privacy policy.